Pages

Monday, December 3, 2012

Feature: Morgan from La Chapstick Fanatique

We're back in action with another addition to our feature series! Today we have Morgan of La Chapstick Fanatique, sharing her Nine to Five essentials as well as how she finds inspiration for her work day. Make sure you head on over to her blog to see her fabulous recipes and fantastic photos of her life. And check back on Wednesday for another special treat from Morgan!
similar sweater | pants | similar heels | similar bracelet
:: Describe your work environment from a style perspective (i.e. traditional business professional, stuffy corporate, laid back artsy, kid friendly, etc.)...
I work for an admissions office for a local university so my work environment constantly changes. When I am in the office, I need to make sure I am dressed professionally since I constantly have prospective students and their parents coming in to meet with me. When I am traveling for work I am doing two things -- college fairs and visits to high schools. At college fairs, I definitely need to dress up (sometimes in a suit). For high school visits, since I am constantly in and out of my car and carrying boxes, I need to look presentable but I need to be comfortable and wear clothes I don't mind getting more wear and tear. 

:: What are your nine to five staples (go to brands, or key items)? ::
I feel like I am constantly standing and running around, whether it is giving presentations at the office, standing at college fairs, or going in and out of high schools. I definitely have invested in good quality flats since I started this job. During the winter, I tend to wear my flat boots. 

Also, whenever I see a pair of black skinny pants on sale, I grab them up. They are so versatile -- you can wear them with heels or flats. And I can wear a cardigan with them during the day and throw on a blazer at night for a fair. 

I also tend to lean towards more classic colors and patterns. The majority of my wardrobe is neutrals: black, navy, cream, grey. I also love stripes and polka dots -- they never go out of style. 

My go-to brands tend to be J.Crew and Banana Republic. I also have always loved Nordstrom as far as department stores go. Lately, I have been buying a lot of Calvin Klein because I have found that their dresses fit my body type well. Unfortunately, there are not many places to shop where I live so I usually have to go far for clothes (except for the Gap).

:: Does blogging make you a better employee at your day job? ::
Hmm. I am not sure. I started blogging when I was in a different job and wanted somewhere to be more creative. I get to be more creative in my current job, but I do like that my blog is a way to combine all the other things I love that my job doesn't fulfill.

:: Do you view blogging as a means of recording life, or as the start of an alternative career? ::
I would say it is about recording life. It is just something I do for fun and when it stops being fun, I will stop doing it.

:: Is blogging your main creative outlet, or do you also write novels, run marathons and knit all of your own sweaters? ::
I drive my husband crazy with how often I change hobbies. Our home office is basically a craft room. Right now, with a little help from a co-worker, I am learning to sew. However, I haven't been home much with my job so I haven't had time for that. I also have always enjoyed cooking. If I could do that as a job, I would. Exercising is a great stress reliever. I just started CrossFit a few months ago and love it.

:: How do you find time to do it all? When do you blog? ::
Well, now that I have switched jobs and don't have much time, I have learned that if a blog post doesn't go up, the world won't end. I would rather skip a day of posting than put up something that feels rushed. I usually blog at night and on the weekends but I am constantly thinking up ideas for blog posts throughout the day.

:: Finally, what have you been pinning lately? What are the items you are just dying to add to your work wardrobe? ::
I am actually on the hunt for the perfect black dress that I can wear to the office but can also work for cocktail parties and weddings. I have a black dress that I love but it has seen better days. 

I am also looking to expand my jewelry collection. In college my friends had large jewelry collections so I would always borrow. Now, I am starting to expand my own collection. I absolutely love J. Crew and Kate Spade jewelry but it isn't always budget friendly. I have found some great Etsy shops that have similar items for a fraction of the cost.

And, a girl can never have too many shoes...

If you would like to be featured on Nine to Five, drop me a line! We'd love to have you!

3 comments:

  1. totally agree with the skinny black pants... you can never own too many pairs!

    somehow, amidst the crazy schedule, try to hit up some consignment or antique shops.... best places to find costume jewelry, often very similar to what j. crew offers stylistically. just need a discerning eye.

    http://dallianceswithsuitsandskirts.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  2. love that polka dotted sweater! and a girl can't ever have too many pairs of black pants!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Morgan, I am loving this look! So glad to have you as part of our Nine to Five community!

    ReplyDelete